EKG certification Certification EKG Safety & Infection Control Protocols 1

Question 1

Before performing an EKG on a patient in airborne precautions, which action is MOST important for the technician?

Accepted Answer

Don a fit-tested N95 respirator before entering the room

Answer

Airborne precautions require an N95 (or higher) respirator because pathogens such as tuberculosis or measles can remain suspended in the air. A standard surgical mask does not provide adequate filtration for airborne particles.

Question 2

Which step in electrode site preparation BEST reduces skin impedance and improves EKG signal quality while also supporting infection control?

Accepted Answer

Gently abrading the skin with a dry gauze pad after cleaning with alcohol

Answer

Light abrasion with gauze removes dead skin cells and sebum, lowering electrical impedance for a cleaner tracing. Alcohol is applied first for antisepsis; disposable razors should be single-patient-use only to prevent cross-contamination.

Question 3

An EKG cable set has visible dried secretions on it after use. What is the correct next step?

Accepted Answer

Wipe with a facility-approved disinfectant wipe and allow full contact time before reuse

Answer

Reusable EKG cables must be cleaned with an EPA-registered, facility-approved disinfectant and allowed the full recommended contact (dwell) time to inactivate pathogens. Autoclaving damages the cables, and discarding reusable equipment is unnecessary if proper disinfection is performed.

Question 4

A technician finishes an EKG and removes the electrodes from the patient. In what order should the technician proceed?

Accepted Answer

Remove gloves, perform hand hygiene, then document the procedure

Answer

The correct sequence is to remove and discard gloves (which are now contaminated), then perform hand hygiene before touching any clean surface or documenting. Touching the machine or documentation while gloved transfers contamination.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes why single-use EKG electrodes should never be repositioned and reapplied to a different site on the same patient?

Accepted Answer

The adhesive picks up skin flora and debris, increasing infection risk at the new site

Answer

Once a single-use electrode is removed, its adhesive surface carries skin bacteria and cellular debris. Reapplying it transfers that contamination to a new skin site, raising the risk of localized skin infection, especially in immunocompromised patients.

EKG certification Practice Test

EKG certification Practice Test

EKG certification Certification EKG Safety & Infection Control Protocols 1